Compressor with bushing assembly

Abstract

A compressor includes a housing, a bearing housing, a floating scroll, a fixed scroll, and a spacer. The bearing housing includes a central body and a plurality of arms extending radially outward from the central body. Each of the arms has a first aperture. The fixed scroll is meshingly engaged with the floating scroll and includes a plurality of second apertures. Each of the second apertures receives a bushing defining a first longitudinal axis and a fastener defining a second longitudinal axis. The fastener extends through the bushing and into a corresponding one of the first apertures in the bearing housing. The spacer is disposed between the bushing and the fastener of each of the second apertures and is configured to engage one of the bushing and the fastener to limit radial misalignment between the first longitudinal axis of the bushing and the second longitudinal axis of the fastener.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 352,074, filed June 18, 2021. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to compressors having bushing assemblies. Background Technology

[0004] This section provides background information in relation to this disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] Climate control systems, such as heat pump systems, refrigeration systems, or air conditioning systems, may include a fluid loop having an outdoor heat exchanger, one or more indoor heat exchangers, one or more expansion devices disposed between the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers, and one or more compressors that circulate a working fluid (e.g., refrigerant or carbon dioxide) between the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers. Efficient and reliable operation of the one or more compressors is desired to ensure that the climate control system, in which one or more compressors are installed, can effectively and efficiently provide cooling and / or heating effects as needed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This section provides a general overview of the disclosure, and is not a complete disclosure of the full scope or all features of the disclosure.

[0007] In one embodiment, this disclosure provides a compressor including a housing, a bearing housing, a moving scroll, a stationary scroll, and a spacer. The bearing housing is supported within the housing. The bearing housing includes a central body and a plurality of arms extending radially outward from the central body. Each of the arms has a first orifice. The moving scroll is supported on the bearing housing. The stationary scroll engages meshingly with the moving scroll and includes a plurality of second orifices. Each second orifice receives a bushing defining a first longitudinal axis and a fastener defining a second longitudinal axis. The fastener extends through the bushing and into a corresponding first orifice in the bearing housing, thereby rotatably securing the stationary scroll relative to the bearing housing. The spacer is disposed between the bushing and the fastener in each second orifice and is configured to engage one of the bushing and the fastener to limit radial misalignment between the first longitudinal axis of the bushing and the second longitudinal axis of the fastener.

[0008] In some configurations of the compressor described above, the spacer is connected to the fastener and configured to engage the bushing to limit radial misalignment between the first longitudinal axis of the bushing and the second longitudinal axis of the fastener.

[0009] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the fasteners include threaded and unthreaded portions. Spacers are connected to the unthreaded portion of the fastener.

[0010] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the fasteners include threaded and unthreaded portions. Spacers are connected to the threaded portions of the fasteners.

[0011] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the spacer connects to the threaded and unthreaded portions of the fastener.

[0012] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the fasteners include threaded portions and unthreaded portions. Spacers are disposed within an annular groove formed in the outer diameter surface of the unthreaded portion.

[0013] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the spacer is connected to the bushing and configured to engage the fastener to limit radial misalignment between the first longitudinal axis of the bushing and the second longitudinal axis of the fastener.

[0014] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the bushing includes an inner diameter surface having an annular groove formed therein. A spacer is disposed within the annular groove.

[0015] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the spacer extends radially inward from the inner diameter surface of the bushing and is configured as a threadless portion of the engaging fastener.

[0016] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the spacer is a spiral wire.

[0017] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the spacer is a nut.

[0018] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the spacer is a separation spring bushing.

[0019] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the above paragraphs, the spacer is integrally formed with one of the bushings and fasteners.

[0020] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the first spacer is a continuous annular bushing.

[0021] In another embodiment, this disclosure provides a compressor including a housing, a bearing housing, a fixed scroll, a moving scroll, a plurality of bushings, a plurality of fasteners, and a plurality of first spacers. The bearing housing is fixed within the housing. The bearing housing includes a central body and a plurality of arms extending radially outward from the central body. Each of the arms has a first orifice. The fixed scroll includes a plurality of second orifices. The moving scroll is supported on the bearing housing and engages meshingly with the fixed scroll. Each of the bushings has a third orifice. Each of the second orifices in the fixed scroll receives one of the bushings. The plurality of fasteners rotatably secure the fixed scroll relative to the bearing housing. Each of the fasteners extends through the third orifice of a corresponding bushing and is received in a corresponding first orifice in the bearing housing. Each of the first spacers is received in the third orifice of a corresponding bushing and configured to engage one of the corresponding bushing and the corresponding fastener to limit radial misalignment between a first longitudinal axis of the corresponding bushing and a second longitudinal axis of the corresponding fastener.

[0022] In some configurations of the compressor described in the above paragraphs, the clearance is defined by at least a portion of the bushing and at least a portion of the corresponding spacer.

[0023] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, each of the first spacers is a spiral wire.

[0024] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, each of the first spacers is a separation spring bushing.

[0025] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, each of the first spacers is a continuous annular bushing.

[0026] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the above paragraphs, the spacer is integrally formed with one of the bushings and fasteners.

[0027] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the compressor further includes a plurality of second spacers. Each of the second spacers is received in a third orifice of a corresponding bushing and contacts the surface of a corresponding arm of the bearing housing.

[0028] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the first spacer contacts the second spacer inside each third orifice.

[0029] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the first spacer is made of a first material, and the second spacer is made of a second material. The first material has higher rigidity than the second material.

[0030] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the distance between the surface of the corresponding arm of the bearing housing and the position along the length of the fastener where the first spacer is connected is determined by the axial length of the second spacer.

[0031] In another embodiment, this disclosure provides a compressor including a housing, a bearing housing, a stationary scroll, a moving scroll, a plurality of bushings, a plurality of fasteners, and a plurality of spacers. The bearing housing is fixed within the housing. The bearing housing includes a central body and a plurality of arms extending radially outward from the central body. Each of the arms has a first orifice. The stationary scroll includes a plurality of second orifices. The moving scroll is supported on the bearing housing and engages meshingly with the stationary scroll. Each of the bushings has a third orifice. Each of the second orifices in the stationary scroll receives one of the bushings. The plurality of fasteners rotatably secure the stationary scroll relative to the bearing housing. Each of the fasteners extends through the third orifice of a corresponding bushing and is received in a corresponding first orifice in the bearing housing. Each of the spacers is received in the third orifice of a corresponding bushing and in a corresponding first orifice, and is configured to engage one of the corresponding bushing and the bearing housing to limit radial misalignment between a first longitudinal axis of the corresponding bushing and a second longitudinal axis of the corresponding third orifice.

[0032] In some configurations of the compressor described above, each spacer is partially received in a countersunk hole of the corresponding bushing and partially received in a countersunk hole of the corresponding first orifice.

[0033] In some configurations of the compressor in any of the paragraphs above, for example, the spacer may be a spiral wire, a separating spring bushing, or a continuous annular bushing.

[0034] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the above paragraphs, the spacer is integrally formed with one of the bushings and fasteners.

[0035] Other application areas will become readily apparent from the descriptions provided herein. The descriptions and specific examples in this overview are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and not for all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a compressor with a bushing assembly based on the principles of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The compressor indicator in the diagram is a cross-sectional view of a portion of region 2;

[0039] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view of the compressor's bearing housing, sleeve guide assembly, and compression mechanism;

[0040] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The compressor indicator in the diagram is a cross-sectional view of a portion of region 4;

[0041] Figure 4A This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another configuration of the compressor;

[0042] Figure 4B This is a cross-sectional view of another configuration of the compressor;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the compressor, showing the spacer of the guide assembly bushing and the engagement of the guide assembly.

[0044] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of another bushing assembly;

[0045] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of another bushing assembly;

[0046] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of another bushing assembly;

[0047] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of another bushing assembly;

[0048] Figure 10 It is a perspective view of another spacer that can be incorporated into the bushing assembly;

[0049] Figure 11 It is a perspective view of another spacer that can be incorporated into the bushing assembly;

[0050] Figure 12 It is a perspective view of another spacer that can be incorporated into the bushing assembly; and

[0051] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of another bushing assembly.

[0052] Throughout the various views in the accompanying drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] These exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details, such as examples of specific components, apparatuses, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that specific details are not required, exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and none should be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0055] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may also be intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically indicated as such. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0056] When an element or layer is referred to as “on another element or layer,” “joined to,” “connected to,” or “attached to” another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, joined to, connected to, or attached to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as “directly on another element or layer,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly attached to” another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers present. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “directly adjacent,” etc.) should be interpreted in a similar manner. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0057] Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another region, layer, or segment. Unless explicitly indicated by the context, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or segment without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0058] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “inside,” “outside,” “below,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” etc., are used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature as illustrated in the accompanying drawings and another element (or other) element or feature. Spatial relative terms may be intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is flipped, an element described as “below” or “below” other elements or features will then be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0059] The principles of this disclosure are adaptable to many different types of scroll and rotary compressors, including hermetic, open-drive, and non-hermetic machines. For illustrative purposes, compressor 10 is shown as a low-side hermetic scroll refrigeration compressor, i.e., in which at least a portion of the motor and compression mechanism is located in the suction pressure region of the compressor, such as... Figure 1 As illustrated in the figure. It will be understood that the principles of this disclosure also apply to high-side compressors (i.e., compressors having a motor and compression mechanism disposed in the discharge pressure zone of the compressor).

[0060] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The compressor 10 may include a housing assembly 12, a bearing housing assembly 14, a motor assembly 16, a compression mechanism 18, a sealing assembly 20, a plurality of bushing or sleeve guide assemblies 22, and a discharge valve assembly 26. The housing assembly 12 may house the bearing housing assembly 14, the motor assembly 16, the compression mechanism 18, the sealing assembly 20, the plurality of bushing assemblies 22, and the discharge valve assembly 26.

[0061] The housing assembly 12 may typically form a compressor housing and may include a cylindrical housing 28, an end cap 32 at the upper end of the cylindrical housing 28, a laterally extending partition 34, and a base 36 at the lower end of the cylindrical housing 28. The end cap 32 and the partition 34 may typically define a discharge chamber 38 (i.e., a discharge pressure region). The discharge chamber 38 may typically form a discharge muffler for the compressor 10. Although the illustration shows the discharge chamber 38 included, it should be understood that this disclosure is equally applicable to direct discharge configurations. The housing assembly 12 may define an opening 40 in the end cap 32 forming a discharge outlet. The housing assembly 12 may additionally define a suction inlet (not shown) communicating with a suction chamber 39 (i.e., a suction pressure region). The partition 34 may include a discharge passage 44 through which communication is provided between the compression mechanism 18 and the discharge chamber 38.

[0062] The bearing housing assembly 14 may include a main bearing housing 46, a bearing 48, and a drive bushing 50. For example, the main bearing housing 46 may be fixed to the housing 28 at multiple points in any desired manner, such as riveting. The main bearing housing 46 may include a central body 54 having arms 56 extending radially outward from the central body 54. The central body 54 may include a bore defined by a circumferential wall 58 that receives the bearing 48. The arms 56 may engage with the housing 28 to securely support the main bearing housing 46 within the housing 28. Each arm of the arms 56 may include a first aperture (or arm aperture) 66 extending through it.

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, the motor assembly 16 may include a motor stator 72, a rotor 74, and a drive shaft 76. The motor stator 72 may be press-fitted into the housing 28. The rotor 74 may be press-fitted onto the drive shaft 76, and the drive shaft 76 may be rotatably driven by the rotor 74. The drive shaft 76 may extend through a hole defined by the circumferential wall 58 and may be rotatably supported within the main bearing housing 46 by the bearing 48.

[0064] The drive shaft 76 may include an eccentric crank pin 78 having a flat portion 80 on the eccentric crank pin 78. A drive bushing 50 may be located on the eccentric crank pin 78 and may engage with the compression mechanism 18. The main bearing housing 46 may define a thrust bearing surface 82 that supports the compression mechanism 18.

[0065] The compression mechanism 18 may include a moving scroll 84 and a stationary scroll 86 that mesh with each other. The moving scroll 84 may include an end plate 88 having helical blades or volutes 90 on its upper surface and an annular flat thrust surface 92 on its lower surface. The thrust surface 92 may engage with an annular flat thrust bearing surface 82 on the main bearing housing 46. A cylindrical hub 94 may project downward from the thrust surface 92 and may have a drive bushing 50 rotatably disposed within the cylindrical hub 94. The drive bushing 50 may include an inner bore that receives a crank pin 78. A crank pin flat portion 80 may drively engage a flat surface in a portion of the inner bore of the drive bushing 50 to provide a radially compliant drive arrangement. A cross-slider coupling 96 may engage with the moving scroll 84 and the stationary scroll 86 (or with the moving scroll 84 and the main bearing housing 46) to prevent relative rotation between the moving scroll 84 and the stationary scroll 86.

[0066] The stationary scroll 86 may include an end plate 98 defining a discharge passage 100 and having a helical scroll 102 extending from a first side of the end plate 98, an annular recess 104 defined in a second side of the end plate 98 opposite to the first side, and a plurality of radially outwardly extending flange portions 106 engaging with a plurality of bushing assemblies 22. The end plate 98 may additionally include a bias passage (not shown) in fluid communication with the annular recess 104 and an intermediate compression recess defined by the moving scroll 84 and the stationary scroll 86. The sealing assembly 20 may form a floating sealing assembly and may be hermetically engaged with the stationary scroll 86 to define an axial bias chamber 110 that contains medium-pressure working fluid biasing the stationary scroll 86 axially (i.e., in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft 76) toward the moving scroll 84. Each flange portion 106 of the stationary scroll 86 may include a second orifice (or flange orifice) 114.

[0067] Multiple bushing assemblies 22 can fix the stationary scroll 86 relative to the main bearing housing 46 in the rotational direction, while allowing axial displacement of the stationary scroll 86 relative to the main bearing housing 46. Each bushing assembly 22 can be received in a corresponding flange orifice 114 of the stationary scroll 86. Each bushing assembly 22 may include a bushing 116, a fastener 120, and a spacer 122. The bushing 116 may include a third orifice (or bushing orifice) 118. Figure 2As shown, the first end 124 of the bushing 116 can extend axially out of a corresponding flange orifice 114 and abut against the head 121 (or washer) of the fastener 120, such that the head 121 (or washer) is slightly axially spaced from the flange portion 106 of the fixed scroll 86, thereby allowing axial movement of the fixed scroll 86 relative to the main bearing housing 46. The second end 125 of the bushing 116 extends axially out of a corresponding flange orifice 114 and abuts against a corresponding arm 56 of the bearing housing 46.

[0068] Each fastener 120 may include a head 121 and a shaft 126. The shaft 126 extends from the head 121 and through a bushing bore 118 of the bushing 116, and may threadedly engage a corresponding arm bore 66 in the bearing housing 46 to rotatably secure the fixed scroll 86 relative to the bearing housing 46. The shaft 126 may include an unthreaded portion 128 and a threaded portion 130. A clearance 129 may be defined between the inner diameter surface 131 of the bushing 116 and the shaft 126 (i.e., the clearance 129 may be between the inner diameter surface 131 of the bushing 116 and the outer diameter surface 132 of the unthreaded portion 128 of the shaft 126 and / or between the inner diameter surface 131 of the bushing 116 and the threaded portion 130 of the shaft 126). The threaded portion 130 may engage a threaded portion 134 of a corresponding arm bore 66 in the bearing housing 46 to rotatably secure the fixed scroll 86 relative to the bearing housing 46.

[0069] Spacer 122 may be disposed within a third aperture 118 of bushing 116 and positioned between bushing 116 and fastener 120. Spacer 122 may be coupled to shaft 126 of fastener 120, thereby defining a space or gap 136 between spacer 122 and inner diameter surface 131 of bushing 116. Figure 4 The distance d can extend from the point where the first threaded position 130a of the threaded portion 130 engages with the threaded portion 134 of the corresponding arm orifice 66 to the head 121 of the fastener 120. In other words, the distance d extends from the first threaded position 130a to the head 121, where the first threaded position 130a is the closest position to the head 121 where the threads of the fastener 120 threadly engage the threads of the orifice 66. The spacer 122 can be connected to the shaft 126 at a position between 50% and 80% of the distance d from the point where the threaded portion 130a and the threaded portion 134 engage. This can reduce stress at the first threaded position 130a during operation of the compressor 10. Figure 4 In the diagram, spacer 122 is shown as an unthreaded portion 128 connected to shaft 126. However, in some configurations, spacer 122 may be connected to a threaded portion 130. Figure 4a) or partially connected to the unthreaded portion 128 and partially connected to the threaded portion 130. Figure 4 b). In a configuration where spacer 122 is connected to threaded portion 130, spacer 122 may be positioned in one or more threaded grooves and / or on one or more threaded peaks.

[0070] like Figure 5 As shown, spacer 122 can be configured to engage the inner diameter surface 131 of bushing 116 during operation of compressor 10 to prevent the shaft 126 of fastener 120 from engaging the inner diameter surface 131 of bushing 116 (when spacer 122 engages the inner diameter surface 131 of bushing 116, clearance 136 is defined by at least a portion of spacer 122 and at least a portion of bushing 116). That is, fastener 120 may deflect during operation of compressor 10, causing fastener 120 to move closer to bushing 116. Since spacer 122 is coupled to fastener 120, spacer 122 can engage bushing 116 during the deflection of fastener 120, preventing fastener 120 and bushing 116 from contacting each other. In this way, spacer 122 reduces the clearance between bushing 116 and fastener 120, which reduces the eccentricity between bushing 116 and fastener 120. The spacer 122 also limits the radial misalignment between the first longitudinal axis 137 of the bushing 116 and the second longitudinal axis 138 of the shaft 126 of the fastener 120, which reduces stress, noise and vibration during operation of the compressor 10.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, when the bushing assembly 22 is assembled to the fixed scroll 86 and the main bearing housing 46, the first longitudinal axis 137 of the bushing 116 and the second longitudinal axis 138 of the shaft 126 are aligned with each other. However, in some configurations, the first longitudinal axis 137 of the shaft 126 and the second longitudinal axis 138 of the bushing 116 may be slightly radially offset from each other or misaligned.

[0072] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, spacer 122 is a helical wire. In some configurations, spacer 122 may be a release spring bushing, a continuous annular bushing, a nut, a wave spring, or any other suitable component that can be securely coupled to shaft 126 during operation of compressor 10 and engage bushing 116 to limit radial misalignment between the first longitudinal axis 137 of bushing 116 and the second longitudinal axis 138 of fastener 120.

[0073] Reference Figure 6Another bushing assembly 222 is provided. Bushing assembly 222 may be incorporated into compressor 10 in place of bushing assembly 22. Except for any exceptions noted below, the construction and function of bushing assembly 222 may be similar to or the same as bushing assembly 22 described above.

[0074] Each bushing assembly 222 may include a bushing 256, a fastener 258, and a spacer 260. The structure and function of the bushing 256 may be similar to or the same as those of the bushing 116 described above, and therefore will not be described in detail again.

[0075] Each fastener 258 may include a head 262 and a shaft 264. The shaft 264 may extend from the head 262 and through a bushing bore 266 of the bushing 256, and may threadedly engage a corresponding arm bore 66 in the bearing housing 46, thereby rotatably securing the fixed scroll 86 relative to the bearing housing 46. The shaft 264 may include an unthreaded portion 268 and a threaded portion 270. The unthreaded portion 268 may include an outer diameter surface 272 having an annular groove 274 formed therein. A clearance 276 may be defined between the inner diameter surface 278 of the bushing 256 and the shaft 264 (i.e., the clearance 276 may be between the inner diameter surface 278 of the bushing 256 and the outer diameter surface 272 of the unthreaded portion 268 of the shaft 264 and / or between the inner diameter surface 278 of the bushing 256 and the threaded portion 270 of the shaft 264). The threaded portion 270 can engage with the threaded portion 280 of the corresponding arm hole 66 in the bearing housing 46, thereby fixing the fixed vortex 86 relative to the bearing housing 46 in a rotatable manner.

[0076] Spacer 260 may be disposed within a groove 274 of the unthreaded portion 268 and positioned between bushing 256 and the unthreaded portion 268 of fastener 258. Spacer 260 may be configured to engage the inner diameter surface 278 of bushing 256 during operation of compressor 10 to prevent shaft 264 of fastener 258 from engaging the inner diameter surface 278 of bushing 256. The structure and function of spacer 260 may be similar to or the same as spacer 122 described above, and therefore will not be described in detail again.

[0077] Reference Figure 7 Another bushing assembly 322 is provided. Bushing assembly 322 may be incorporated into compressor 10 in place of bushing assemblies 22, 222. Except as otherwise noted below, the construction and function of bushing assembly 322 may be similar to or the same as bushing assemblies 22, 222 described above.

[0078] Each bushing assembly 322 may include a bushing 356, a fastener 358, and a spacer 360. The bushing 356 may include a third orifice (or bushing orifice) 318. A first end portion 324 of the bushing 356 may extend axially out of a corresponding flange orifice 114 and abut against the head 321 of the fastener 358, such that the head 321 is slightly axially spaced from the flange portion 106 of the fixed scroll 86, thereby allowing axial movement of the fixed scroll 86 relative to the main bearing housing 46. A second end portion 325 of the bushing 356 extends axially out of a corresponding flange orifice 114 and abuts against a corresponding arm 56 of the bearing housing 46. The bushing 356 may include an inner diameter surface 332 having an annular groove 334 formed therein.

[0079] Each fastener 358 may include a head 321 and a shaft 364. The shaft 364 may extend from the head 321 and through a bushing bore 318 of the bushing 356, and may threadedly engage a corresponding arm bore 66 in the bearing housing 46, thereby rotatably securing the fixed scroll 86 relative to the bearing housing 46. The shaft 364 may include an unthreaded portion 368 and a threaded portion 370. A clearance 376 may be defined between the inner diameter surface 332 of the bushing 356 and the shaft 364 (i.e., the clearance 376 may be between the inner diameter surface 332 of the bushing 356 and the outer diameter surface 336 of the unthreaded portion 368 of the shaft 364 and / or between the inner diameter surface 332 of the bushing 356 and the threaded portion 370 of the shaft 364).

[0080] Spacer 360 may be disposed within a recess 334 of bushing 356 and positioned between bushing 356 and shaft 364 of fastener 358. Spacer 360 may be configured to engage shaft 364 of fastener 358 during operation of compressor 10 to prevent shaft 364 of fastener 358 from engaging inner diameter surface 332 of bushing 356. The structure and function of spacer 360 may be similar to or the same as spacers 122, 260 described above, and therefore will not be described in detail again.

[0081] Reference Figure 8 Another bushing assembly 422 is provided. Bushing assembly 422 may be incorporated into compressor 10 in place of bushing assemblies 22, 222, and 322. Except for any exceptions noted below, the construction and function of bushing assembly 422 may be similar to or the same as bushing assemblies 22, 222, and 322 described above.

[0082] Each bushing assembly 422 may include a bushing 456, a fastener 458, and a spacer 460. The bushing 456 may include a third orifice (or bushing orifice) 418 defining an inner diameter surface 432.

[0083] Each fastener 458 may include a head 462 and a shaft 464. The shaft 464 may extend from the head 462 and through a bushing bore 418 of the bushing 456, and may thread-engage a corresponding arm bore 66 in the bearing housing 46, thereby rotatably securing the fixed scroll 86 relative to the bearing housing 46. A spacer 460 may extend radially inward from the inner diameter surface 432 of the bushing 456 toward the fastener 458 and may be positioned between the bushing 456 and the fastener 458. In some configurations, the spacer 460 is an annular ridge integrally formed with the bushing 456.

[0084] The spacer 460 may be configured to engage the shaft 464 of the fastener 458 during operation of the compressor 10 to prevent the shaft 464 of the fastener 458 from engaging the inner diameter surface 432 of the bushing 456. In this way, the spacer 460 limits the radial misalignment between the first longitudinal axis of the bushing 456 and the second longitudinal axis of the shaft 464 of the fastener 458, which reduces stress, noise and vibration during operation of the compressor 10.

[0085] Reference Figure 9 Another bushing assembly 522 is provided. Bushing assembly 522 may be incorporated into compressor 10 in place of bushing assemblies 22, 222, 322, and 422. Except for any exceptions noted below, the construction and function of bushing assembly 522 may be similar to or the same as bushing assemblies 22, 222, 322, and 422 described above.

[0086] Each bushing assembly 522 may include a bushing 556, a fastener 558, a first spacer 560, a second spacer 562, and a third spacer 563. The bushing 556 may include a third aperture (or bushing aperture) 518 defining an inner diameter surface 532.

[0087] Fastener 558 may include a head 564 and a shaft 566. Shaft 566 extends from head 564 and through bushing orifice 518 of bushing 556, and may thread-engage a corresponding arm orifice 66 in bearing housing 46, thereby rotatably securing the fixed scroll 86 relative to bearing housing 46. First spacer 560 may be disposed within third orifice 518 of bushing 556 and positioned between bushing 556 and fastener 558. First spacer 560 may also be positioned on surface 569 of the corresponding arm 56 of bearing housing 46. First spacer 560 may be annular and may be made of a soft, compressible material (e.g., foam). First spacer 560 fills a variable void around shaft 566 of fastener 558 such that there is no gap between first spacer 560 and inner diameter surface 532 of bushing 556 or between first spacer 560 and shaft 566 of fastener 558.

[0088] The third spacer 563 may be similar to or the same as the spacer 122 described above. During the installation of the bushing assembly 522 into the compressor 10, the third spacer 563 limits the eccentricity of the bushing 556 relative to the fastener 558.

[0089] The second spacer 562 may be made of an adhesive material, such as epoxy resin, or other similar material that is liquid in a pre-cured state and solid in a cured state. In the pre-cured state, the third spacer 562 can flow into the bushing orifice 518 and engage with the axial end 574 of the fastener 558 and the first spacer 560. When cured, the second spacer 562 is solid. The solid second spacer 562 can fill the variable void between the shaft 566 and the inner diameter surface 532 of the bushing 556 to provide a rigid spacer that continuously contacts and supports the shaft 566 of the fastener 558 around (360 degrees) the diameter of the shaft 566. In other words, the second spacer 562 fills the variable void around the shaft 566 of the fastener 558 such that there are no gaps between the second spacer 562 and the inner diameter surface 532 of the bushing 556, or between the second spacer 562 and the shaft 566 of the fastener 558. In this manner, the solid second spacer 562 restricts radial movement between the first longitudinal axis of the bushing 556 and the second longitudinal axis of the shaft 566 of the fastener 558 during operation of the compressor 10, and can reduce stress at the first threaded location 570a. The third spacer 563 can restrict radial misalignment between the first longitudinal axis of the bushing 556 and the second longitudinal axis of the shaft 566 of the fastener 558 during operation of the compressor 10, and can also reduce stress at the first threaded location 570a. When the second spacer 562 is fully cured, the third spacer 563 can be embedded within the second spacer 562.

[0090] The solid second spacer 562 is relatively hard and not easily compressed during curing (i.e., the cured second spacer 562 has higher rigidity than the first spacer 560). It should also be understood that the distance between the surface 569 of the corresponding arm 56 of the bearing housing 46 and the following location along the length of the fastener 558 is determined by the axial length of the first spacer 560, at which the second spacer 562 is connected to the fastener 558.

[0091] Reference Figure 10 An additional spacer 660 is provided. Spacer 660 may be a release spring bushing and may be incorporated into bushing assembly 22 in place of spacer 122. The structure and function of spacer 660 may be similar to or the same as spacer 122 described above, and therefore will not be described in detail again. In some configurations, spacer 660 may be a continuous (uninterrupted) annular bushing (instead of release spring bushing).

[0092] Reference Figure 11 Another spacer 760 is provided. The spacer 760 can be incorporated into the bushing assembly 22 in place of the spacer 122.

[0093] The spacer 760 may be a thin nut that engages threadedly with the threaded portion 130 of the fastener 120. In this way, the spacer 760 limits the radial misalignment between the first longitudinal axis 137 of the bushing 116 and the second longitudinal axis 138 of the shaft 126 of the fastener 120, which reduces stress, noise, and vibration during operation of the compressor 10. The outer diameter surface of the spacer 760 may include knurling 762.

[0094] Reference Figure 12 An additional spacer 860 is provided. Spacer 860 may be a continuous annular bushing and may be incorporated into bushing assembly 22 in place of spacer 122. Spacer 860 may be mounted to shaft 126 of fastener 120 using a heat-shrink assembly method. Alternatively, spacer 860 may be press-fitted to shaft 126. The positioning and function of spacer 860 may be similar to or the same as spacer 122 described above.

[0095] Reference Figure 13 Another bushing assembly 922 and bearing housing 946 are provided. Bushing assembly 922 and bearing housing 946 can be incorporated into compressor 10 in place of bushing assembly 22 and bearing housing 46. Except for any differences shown in the figures and / or described below, the structure and function of bushing assembly 922 and bearing housing 946 can be similar to or the same as bushing assembly 22 and bearing housing 946 described above.

[0096] Bushing assembly 922 may include bushing 916, fastener 920, and spacer 960. Bushing 916 includes an orifice 918 having a countersunk hole 919. Arm 956 of bearing housing 946 includes an orifice 966 having a countersunk hole 967. A portion of spacer 960 may be disposed within the countersunk hole 919 of orifice 918 of bushing 916, and another portion of spacer 960 may be disposed within the countersunk hole 967 of orifice 966 of bearing housing 946. Spacer 960 may be coupled to bushing 916 or bearing housing 946 (e.g., via press fit or heat shrink assembly). Spacer 960 may engage the inner diameter surface 931 of countersunk hole 919 of bushing 916 and the inner diameter surface 935 of countersunk hole 967 of bearing housing 946. A radial clearance may exist between spacer 960 and shaft 926 of fastener 920. A radial clearance may also exist between the bushing 916 and the shaft 926 of the fastener 920. The spacer 960 can limit radial misalignment between the longitudinal axis of the bushing 916 and the longitudinal axis of the bore 966 of the bearing housing 946. Furthermore, the spacer 960 can limit radial misalignment between the longitudinal axis of the bushing 916 and the longitudinal axis of the shaft 926 of the fastener 920. The spacer 960 can be a continuous annular bushing, a release spring bushing, a helical wire, a nut, a wave spring, or any other suitable component.

[0097] The foregoing description of embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in selected embodiments, even if not specifically shown or described. Elements or features of a particular embodiment may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not considered to depart from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A compressor, comprising: shell; A bearing housing supported within the outer casing, the bearing housing comprising a central body and a plurality of arms extending radially outward from the central body, each of the arms having a first orifice; A moving scroll, which is supported on the bearing housing; A fixed vortex engages meshingly with the moving vortex and includes a plurality of second orifices, each second orifice receiving a bushing defining a first longitudinal axis and a fastener defining a second longitudinal axis, the fastener extending through the bushing and into a corresponding first orifice in the bearing housing, thereby rotatably fixing the fixed vortex relative to the bearing housing. as well as A spacer is radially disposed between the bushing and the fastener in each second orifice and configured to engage one of the bushing and the fastener to limit radial misalignment between the first longitudinal axis of the bushing and the second longitudinal axis of the fastener. A gap is provided radially between the inner diameter surface of the bushing and the shaft of the fastener. The spacer is disposed within the gap, and The spacer and the gap allow for relative radial movement between the bushing and the fastener.

2. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein, The spacer is coupled to the fastener and configured to engage the bushing to limit radial misalignment between the first longitudinal axis of the bushing and the second longitudinal axis of the fastener.

3. The compressor according to claim 2, wherein, The shaft of the fastener includes a threadless portion, and the spacer is connected to the threadless portion of the fastener.

4. The compressor according to claim 2, wherein, The spacer is attached to the fastener at a position between 50% and 80% of the distance from the point where the first thread of the fastener engages with the threaded portion of the first orifice to the head of the fastener.

5. The compressor according to claim 2, wherein, The fastener includes a threaded portion, and wherein the spacer is coupled to the threaded portion of the fastener.

6. The compressor according to claim 2, wherein, The fastener includes a threaded portion and a non-threaded portion, wherein the spacer is connected to the threaded portion and the non-threaded portion of the fastener.

7. The compressor according to claim 2, wherein, The fastener includes a threadless portion, wherein the spacer is disposed within an annular groove formed in the outer diameter surface of the threadless portion.

8. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein, The spacer is coupled to the bushing and configured to engage the fastener to limit radial misalignment between the first longitudinal axis of the bushing and the second longitudinal axis of the fastener.

9. The compressor according to claim 8, wherein, The bushing includes an inner diameter surface having an annular groove formed therein, wherein the spacer is disposed within the annular groove.

10. The compressor according to claim 8, wherein, The spacer extends radially inward from the inner diameter surface of the bushing and is configured to engage the unthreaded portion of the fastener.

11. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein, The spacer is integrally formed with the bushing.

12. A compressor, comprising: shell; A bearing housing, the bearing housing being fixed within the outer casing, the bearing housing comprising a central body and a plurality of arms extending radially outward from the central body, each of the arms having a first orifice; A fixed vortex, wherein the fixed vortex includes a plurality of second orifices; A moving vortex, which is supported on the bearing housing and engages meshingly with the stationary vortex; Multiple bushings, each bushing having a third orifice, wherein each of the second orifices in the fixed vortex receives one of the bushings; Multiple fasteners rotatably secure the fixed vortex relative to the bearing housing, each of the fasteners extending through the third orifice of a corresponding bushing and received in a corresponding first orifice in the first orifice of the bearing housing; as well as A plurality of first spacers, each of the first spacers being received in the third aperture of a corresponding bushing and configured to engage one of the corresponding bushing and a corresponding fastener to limit radial misalignment between the first longitudinal axis of the corresponding bushing and the second longitudinal axis of the corresponding fastener. Specifically, a gap is provided radially between the inner diameter surface of the corresponding bushing and the shaft of the corresponding fastener. Wherein, each of the first spacers is disposed within a corresponding gap, and The corresponding spacers and the corresponding gaps allow for relative radial movement between the corresponding bushings and the corresponding fasteners.

13. The compressor according to claim 12, wherein, The gap is defined by the inner diameter surface of the bushing and at least a portion of the corresponding spacer.

14. A compressor, comprising: shell; A bearing housing, the bearing housing being fixed within the outer casing, the bearing housing comprising a central body and a plurality of arms extending radially outward from the central body, each of the arms having a first orifice; A fixed vortex, wherein the fixed vortex includes a plurality of second orifices; A moving vortex, which is supported on the bearing housing and engages meshingly with the stationary vortex; Multiple bushings, each bushing having a third orifice, wherein each of the second orifices in the fixed vortex receives one of the bushings; Multiple fasteners rotatably secure the fixed vortex relative to the bearing housing, each of the fasteners extending through the third orifice of a corresponding bushing and received in a corresponding first orifice in the first orifice of the bearing housing; as well as A plurality of first spacers, each of the first spacers being received in the third orifice of a corresponding bushing and configured to engage one of the corresponding bushing and a corresponding fastener to limit radial misalignment between the first longitudinal axis of the corresponding bushing and the second longitudinal axis of the axis of the corresponding fastener and to allow relative radial movement between the first longitudinal axis of the corresponding bushing and the second longitudinal axis of the axis of the corresponding fastener.

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